Villages of Woodland Springs Homeowners Association

Public Notice Cryptosporidium

Sep 12, 2008

Public Notice from The Keller Pointe
Regarding Cryptosporidium
Posted Date: 9/11/2008
This summer, there have been a number of cases of Cryptosporidiosis (referred to as "Crypto") in Tarrant County. Crypto is a parasitic disease that can cause loose, watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and a slight fever. It can be spread by swallowing water (either from swimming or drinking) or food contaminated by human feces, usually from tiny amounts that cannot be seen. It can also be spread from person to person, especially in settings such as homes and daycare centers where diapers are changed regularly.

As of September 11, 2008, there have been three cases of Crypto linked to swimming at The Keller Pointe pools. This indicates the potential for Crypto to spread through our community. As part of our continuing efforts to control Crypto, we are following recommendations by Tarrant County Public Health Department. The pools at The Keller Pointe will be hyper-chlorinated on a weekly basis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov, even the most carefully maintained pools can spread illness. Therefore, anyone who is infected should avoid swimming in all pools while having diarrhea and for two weeks after the diarrhea stops because Crypto can be spread so easily through water.

If infected, swimming should be avoided even if the pool is properly chlorinated because Crypto is highly resistant to chlorine. In addition, everyone should thoroughly wash their hands before preparing or eating food. The CDC also lists these tips in preventing Crypto contamination while swimming:

Don't swallow pool water
Shower before swimming and wash hands after using the toilet or changing diapers
Take children on regular bathroom breaks and check diapers often
Change diapers in a restroom rather than poolside
Wash children thoroughly with soap and water before swimming
If you or anyone in your family have had symptoms of Crypto recently, please consult your healthcare provider for a diagnosis and discuss the potential connection with this Crypto outbreak. If you have a confirmed case of Crypto, please contact Tarrant County Health Epidemiology & Health Department at (817)321-5350.

For questions regarding procedures and services at The Keller Pointe, please contact Teresa Thomason, Manager, by calling (817)743-4301 or sending e-mail to tthomason@cityofkeller.com.